Black Alpharetta entrepreneur honored with memorial plaque
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Residents and visitors to Alpharetta can now learn a bit about the city’s past through a new historical marker dedicated Feb. 27.
The plaque marks the site of George “Hard” Bailey’s Blacksmith
Shop at Citizen Soul restaurant on South Main Street. The marker recognizes Bailey, an African American, who owned and operated the shop in the early 1900s.
Bailey was one of the earliest Black entrepreneurs in Alpharetta. He provided land from his farm on Kimball Bridge Road for
construction of the Alpharetta Colored School. Community members later honored him by changing the school’s name to the Bailey-Johnson School. The school operated from 1950 to 1967, when segregation of public education ended in North Fulton County.
See BAILEY, Page 6
New puzzle page expands brainpower Page 11
After 35 years on force, police lieutenant retires
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta officials celebrated the 35-year-long career of a retiring police lieutenant Feb. 28.
Lt. Greg Jones was honored during a ceremony marking his years of service with the Alpharetta Police Department.
Jones, an Alpharetta native, began his career with the city as a custodian, a job that tasked him with cleaning the former police headquarters. He began his law enforcement career in Alpharetta as a jailer and began working as a patrol
officer after completing the police academy in 1992.
Jones rose to the rank of sergeant, becoming a detective and serving in the Criminal Investigations and Traffic Enforcement units. In 2009, he was promoted to lieutenant.
Jones holds an “overwhelming number” of accolades, certifications and specialized training credentials and retires as one of the department’s most knowledgeable officers, according to the city.
— Jon Wilcox
CITY OF ALPHARETTA/PROVIDED Director Of Public Safety John Robison, right, honors Lt. Greg Jones, with a certificate Feb. 28 during a ceremony that marked the end of Jones’ 35-year career with the Alpharetta Police Department.
SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA
Linda Brown and Patricia Centers Martin unveil the historical marker for George “Hard” Bailey’s Blacksmith Shop along South Main Street in Alpharetta Feb. 27.
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located the recorder in the pocket behind the driver’s seat. Her attorney advised her to report it to police.
The woman turned over the listening device to officers, who entered it into evidence.
The incident was classified as a felony eavesdropping or surveillance.
ambulance was called to transport him to Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center.
After he was cleared, police took him to the North Fulton County Jail. It’s his fourth arrest since August 2023.
Store staff detain 2 men suspected
— Jon Wilcox
of shoplifting
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Officers investigated a reported felony shoplifting of more than $500 of clothing at a North Point department store Feb. 23.
Police arrested two Gainesville men, aged 28 and 39, charging them with theft by shoplifting.
Officers were dispatched to the department store about 8:30 p.m. after a shoplifting was reported, according to an Alpharetta police report. They met loss prevention staff who said four men had entered the store, concealed items in a Nike shopping bag and left.
Police also reviewed surveillance camera footage that showed the alleged theft.
The men stole swimming trunks, pants, shirts and shoes.
Loss prevention staff apprehended two of the four men.
— Jon Wilcox
Woman finds recorder hidden in her vehicle
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 36-year-old Milton woman reported Feb. 24 she had found an audio recording device in her car.
Officers were dispatched to North Point Parkway after an argument between the woman and her husband, according to an Alpharetta police report.
The woman said she and her husband were in the process of a divorce.
The woman searched her car after she heard her husband tell her daughter he would be able to hear her have a conversation.
The woman purchased a device that finds cameras and recording devices and
Officers arrest suspect with copper pipes, tools
ROSWELL, Ga. — Police arrested a 24-year-old Roswell man Feb. 28 after an officer stopped a cyclist carrying copper pipes around Old Holcomb Bridge Road and Creekside Way.
The officer said he initiated a traffic stop on two pedestrians because one carried a bundle of brass or copper tubing. He also said there is an ongoing issue involving vandalism and squatting at vacant apartments around the Roswell Creek apartments.
The officer said a 24-year-old Roswell man threw the bundle of copper into the tree line seconds before the encounter.
While checking their identifies, the officer said the Roswell man had an active arrest warrant out of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office for a probation violation related to shoplifting.
The officer said the man with the copper would not say where he was living.
The other pedestrian, a 26-yearold woman, said she was two months pregnant, and the couple was on the way to her mother’s house in Forsyth County.
After Fulton County confirmed the man’s warrant was active, officers said they searched and detained him and found voltage probes, wire cutters, screw drivers, two ski masks and glass pipes with burnt residue.
Officers retrieved the copper lines, which appeared to have been cut from an air conditioning unit with fresh marks. They said the evidence led them to believe that the man was using the tools to commit thefts.
Because the man said he swallowed fentanyl before the police stop, an
According to jail records, the man was charged with two probation violations, possession of tools for the commission of crime, theft by taking, criminal damage to property and tampering with evidence.
— Jon Wilcox
Resident says swindler took him for $80,000
ROSWELL, Ga. — A 67-year-old Roswell resident reported he was scammed out of $80,000 Feb. 26 through a fraudulent scheme conducted on the messaging platforms WhatsApp and Telegram.
The victim told officers that he had been messaging a phone number with a 786 area code from Miami-Dade County, Florida. He said the unidentified person reached out to him on WhatsApp about a money-making opportunity.
After the conversation switched over to another messaging app, Telegram, the victim said he was asked to buy programs in exchange for a profitable return.
The victim said he continued to send the person more money, until he refused to pay after not receiving any return on his investments.
Based off the officer’s report, it’s unclear when the victim began the interchange and when he ended communication.
When the victim finally refused to pay, he said the person sent him pictures of his residence and told him he would hire a hitman to kill him.
Officers did not identify a victim in their report.
Police said the victim sent a total of $80,000 to the alleged scammer, though the report did not identify how the funds were transferred.
The two felony charges against the perpetrator are theft by deception and terroristic threats.
— Hayden Sumlin
THE PICTURE FRAMER
Roswell agency to act as ‘pass through’ for Wellstar debt
By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Committees of Council gave approval for a resolution to issue Roswell Development Authority revenue bonds to refinance obligations of Wellstar Heath System.
The resolution includes an aggregate principal amount currently estimated at not to exceed $100 million.
There will be no financial impact or jeopardy for the city or the Roswell Development Authority if Wellstar defaults on the debt. The resolution will also have no impact on the city’s bond capacity, and Roswell taxpayers are not on the hook for the bonds.
The Committees of Council includes the mayor and members of the City Council, along with the city administrator.
Formal approval of the measure will come before the City Council at its March 10 meeting.
Roswell Development Authority Chairman Joe Cusack said the hospital system uses the development authority as a “pass through” to refinance or secure a better rate on the revenue bonds.
The Roswell Development Authority has consistently maintained an AAA bond rating, the highest possible. Institutions with high bond ratings generally receive the lowest interest rates on loan financing.
Wellstar has a Moody’s Investor Services creditworthy rating of A2, defined as upper medium-grade.
“They were refinancing $100 million worth of debt, at savings of about a million dollars a year through these revenue bonds and using the RDA through that,” Cusack said.
Wellstar has taken this path to
refinance debt before, most recently with the Cobb County Kennestone Hospital Authority.
Marietta-based Wellstar is the state’s largest healthcare system, operating 11 hospitals and dozens of affiliated health campuses. According to a report from the Georgia Hospital Association, Wellstar Health System contributes nearly $4 billion to the state’s economy.
A Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) hearing took place to learn what the resolution authorizes and won approval from a Fulton County Superior Court judge.
The Roswell City Council must give final approval to the measure.
“You get to put your stamp of approval on this as part of this process,” Cusack said.
A public hearing was held on the measure at 11 a.m. Feb. 28. Another public hearing may be held after the bonds are priced but has not yet been
scheduled.
In other matters at the Feb. 25 Committees of Council meeting, Roswell officials unanimously agreed to sign a pact with True North 400 Community Improvement District that would help provide $2 million for a trail to connect two city parks.
True North has offered to provide the $500,000 match to secure The Big Creek Park Trail Reconnecting Communities Grant.
The grant has been awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation.
City officials said that with True North picking up the tab for matching funds, the grant comes at no cost to Roswell taxpayers.
“True North 400 has actually agreed to reimburse the city up to $500,000 for that match, so the city will not be responsible for any of that,” Roswell Transportation Director Jeffery Littlefield said.
The multi-use trail will provide a connection between Liberty Square Park and Big Creek Park.
True North 400 is a self-taxing business district that includes commercial property owners along Ga. 400 in Alpharetta, Roswell and Milton.
In other matters at the meeting, Roswell city leaders approved an agreement with Fulton County for the Woodstock Road Multi-Use Trail Phase 1 project.
The TSPLOST 2-funded project includes two phases, and the trail will extend from Woodstock Road to Canton Street.
Under the agreement, Fulton County will reimburse the city for costs
Deputy Transportation Director Greg Nicolas said Phase 1 should begin in late summer and run about a year. Nicolas said the Phase 2 is going to be “a little bit further behind.”
The committee also approved a budget amendment of $610,305 for a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The resolution allows for the water treatment plant to get a standby generator with a lifespan of 15-20 years.
“Backup generators [are] an industry-best practice, we don’t have a generator at the plant right now,” Brian Watson, director of Environmental/ Public Works, said.
In Oct. 2022, the city originally applied for the program through the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. In January, the city was accepted with an award amount of $573,686. The city is required to match funds in the amount of $36,618.30, from the Water and Sewer fund.
“That’s an important item, sometimes these items seem to be a bit benign,” City Administrator Randy Knighton said.
SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA
Roswell Transportation Director Jeffery Littlefield presents data for the True North 400 Reconnecting Communities Grant at the Committees of Council meeting Feb. 25.
Constituents at Decatur meeting call for Ossoff to visit
By DAN WHISENHUNT dan@appenmedia.com
DECATUR, Ga. — Sen. Jon Ossoff's employees showed up to Decatur City Hall on Feb. 25, offering to answer questions about Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, taxes and more.
Even though Ossoff was not scheduled to appear at the constituent services event, the roughly two dozen attendees were left wondering why he wasn't there personally to address the community's concerns.
Ossoff's office declined to comment for this story or identify the staffers who attended the meeting. A representative for his office noted that the event was billed as a constituent services event and not a town hall. The announcement did not say Ossoff would be there. Staffers who hosted the event also declined to comment.
Even so, many of the attendees were left wanting.
"It was pretty much a waste of time," attendee Wardell Castles said. He noted three staffers there who specialized in handing constituent complaints to various federal agencies. "I couldn’t have cared less. There were ... citizens there who had little or no interest in what these three [staffers] specialized in. Most of the comments and questions circled around what Ossoff is doing regarding what’s going on in D.C. today."
He added, "A lot of people are really unhappy."
Attendees Decaturish interviewed wanted to know the senator's thoughts on the recent firings at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and at other government agencies, the flurry of executive orders from President Donald Trump, and his controversial cabinet appointments. That last point was a source of contention when attendees asked why Ossoff did not vote on some cabinet nominations. His record shows he opposed most of the nominations and voted yes on others. A New York Times article listing the vote tally found that Ossoff did not cast a vote on four cabinet nominations, more than any other senator.
"Could you tell us what his stance is?" one attendee asked Ossoff's staffers. "Honestly, I thought I knew what he stood for, but now I don't know. I'm very confused if he didn't vote."
Ossoff has been sending out press releases regularly, often emphasizing bipartisanship. He sent one on Feb. 25, the day of the constituents' meeting, noting he introduced a bipartisan bill to protect Georgia's poultry industry from avian flu outbreaks. He sent another, stating that he pressured the Trump administration to restore scholarship funding for students studying agriculture
at historically Black colleges and universities. And in another press release sent the same day, he announced he was introducing a bill to protect pregnant women in Georgia's prisons and jails.
But his constituents who attended the Feb. 25 meeting don't want to read press releases. They wanted to hear Sen. Ossoff speak to them directly.
Avondale Estates Mayor Jonathan Elmore attended, hoping to make contact with Ossoff's staff. He knew Ossoff wouldn't be there, but he wanted to hear what people had to say.
"I think probably four or five are here for actual constituent service questions, and everybody else is, like, freaked out," Elmore said. "What do we do?"
One attendee, a CDC employee who didn't want their name used, offered to provide the senator with documentation depicting the chaos behind the scenes at the agency.
"I'm not hearing from him at all," the CDC employee said. "I'm hearing him from his office. I want to hear from him."
Decaturish asked Fran Bauer about why she went to the meeting. She said, "I'm here about this s***," and pointed to a sign she was carrying that said, "Stop dismantling our government."
Bauer's daughter and son-in-law are both federal employees, and she and her husband depend on federal retirement benefits, too.
"We're f***ing worried," she said. "Because those monies, I have no trust that they're going to be around. My entire family has built a world upon this, but they're doing important work."
Like other attendees, she was unsatisfied with Ossoff's response to their concerns about the Trump administration.
"I've made phone calls and also emails, and then I've also had some responses that were not pertinent to what I brought up," Bauer said. "So I'm not really getting any clear idea of what his plan is."
Another constituent, Lisa Strube, was initially afraid to give her name as she
voiced her frustration at Ossoff's absence.
"I came here to voice my concerns, and I was expecting Jon Ossoff to be here, and I'm very disappointed that he is not, especially during a time like this," Strube said.
She wanted to talk to him about women's rights, diversity and issues affecting disabled people like herself. Strube noted that being in the minority didn't impede Republicans from exercising their power when Democrats controlled the Senate.
"I want to know what he's going to do, because Mitch McConnell did a lot of stuff when they had a minority," she said. "So what do you do when we have a minority in Congress? Like, why can't we get dirty like the Republicans?"
As she listened to a reporter work to get other attendees to go on record, Strube said, "You know what? Throw my name on there."
"I do represent people with disabilities," Strube said. "I represent women's rights. I am concerned about human rights."
Many people at the constituent services event shared those concerns and after the meeting, a group of attendees stayed behind to share names and contact information.
DAN WHISENHUNT/APPEN MEDIA
An anxious, frustrated crowd meet with staffers from Sen. Jon Ossoff’s office during a constituent services meeting in Decatur Feb. 25.
Roswell Dance Starz to perform ‘Wonderland’
ROSWELL, Ga. — The public is invited to attend the Roswell Dance Starz Spring show, “Wonderland.”
The “Alice in Wonderland”- inspired show will be at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St. Performances will run around 90 minutes, with a short intermission.
In partnership with the City of Roswell, the show will feature ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and hip-hop dance. Tickets are $16.50, with free parking beside the Arts Center in Lower Lot F at City Hall.
Roswell Dance Starz is the Roswell’s resident dance company, composed of dancers ages 7 to 18, trained in multiple danced techniques. Company members can participate in professional workshops, master classes, a variety of
educational dance opportunities and the chance to compete at local and regional dance competitions.
Those interested in learning more about Roswell Dance Starz can visit: roswell365.com/rds.
— Sarah Coyne
Roswell Fire Department earns national recognition
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Fire Department has been nationally recognized with the with the 2025 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award for its efforts to enhance firefighter health and safety.
Fire Chief Joe Pennino accepted the award on behalf of the department from the Congressional Fire Services Institute and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation on Feb. 13 at the 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, D.C.
“This research project highlights our team’s commitment to firefighter well-
Bailey:
Continued from Page 1
Bailey’s historical marker is part of a joint effort of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society and City of Alpharetta to celebrate Black History Month.
Historical Society President Pat Miller wrote the excerpt displayed on the plaque.
“The main thing it does is it gives people a glimpse into what Alpharetta
being, and we are honored to be at the forefront of advancing firefighter health initiatives,” Pennino said.
Innovative leadership addressing critical challenges within the fire service is the main mission that the institutes look for in awardees. The Roswell Fire Department exemplified this for its research on firefighter health, conducted in collaboration with leading experts.
Assistant Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Joel Billings led the research by using evidencebased decision-making made by the fire department.
was like, because so many people that live in this area now have no long-term ties to the area,” Miller said.
Miller said the markers around the city allow for the community to “run into history.”
Little was known about Bailey, and Miller said she enjoyed learning about him while preparing for the Bailey-Johnson School & Community Exhibit and the historical marker unveiling.
“I just keep researching and hopefully one day I’ll solve all these
“To my knowledge, this is the first fire department to implement such changes and systematically evaluate the effects on sleep and chronic health. Their efforts set a powerful precedent for improving firefighter well-being nationwide,” Billings said.
The study focused on how improved sleep quality can reduce physical and mental health risks, based on the impact of a 48/96 shift schedule and adjusted start times on firefighter performance. The findings can give valuable insights to fire departments nationwide.
Efforts were driven by the need to improve firefighter well-being through
mysteries,” Miller said.
Phillip Cooper, owner of Citizen Soul, 60 S. Main, honors Bailey with a hammer and anvil logo for the business. The historical marker adds to the aesthetic.
“Once we kind of stumbled on his story, I just kind of ran with it, and it made a lot of sense,” Cooper said.
Servers at the restaurant also wear blacksmith aprons to complement the theme.
“It’s a tribute to how far we’ve come from then till now,” Cooper said.
data-driven solutions, such as adjusting start times and analyzing its effects on sleep quality and chronic health conditions.
“The Roswell Fire Department’s innovative approach to health and safety exemplifies our city’s commitment to excellence,” Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson said. “This award celebrates their leadership and reinforces how much we value the brave men and women who serve our community. Roswell is proud to stand behind them every step of the way.”
— Sarah Coyne
After years of talk about the plaque, Bailey’s granddaughter, Patricia Centers Martin, participated in the marker unveiling, alongside Linda Brown, Bailey’s greatgrandniece.
Martin thanked the crowd for their help and for thinking about her “granddaddy.”
“I’m overwhelmed. I would have never dreamed of this,” Martin said. Martin said her favorite memories are when she went to visit her grandfather.
“I just couldn’t wait,” she said.
We are looking for one person or couple interested in delivering weekly newspapers in South Forsyth, Alpharetta and the Johns Creek areas.
Requirements: Must have a perfect driving record and background check, reliable transportation, honest, hard-working and positive attitude.
For more information or to apply, email heidi@appenmedia.com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and any relevant background/experience. In the subject line of the email please put “Delivery Route Application.”
New novel for TV miniseries lights up March author events
By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia. com
“Will Trent” fans take note: Emily Carpenter is poised to become the next Atlanta-area author to have a novel adapted for television.
“Gothictown,” the Roswell resident’s 10th title, was simultaneously optioned for both print and production two years before the book’s March release.
PROVIDED
Bestselling author Emily Carpenter is launching her latest suspense novel, “Gothictown,” which has been optioned for television.
“It was a whirlwind for sure and not what I had ever experienced,” said Carpenter, who will be co-producing the miniseries. While an executive producer/showrunner has also been named, a script, cast and locations have not.
“Apparently, TV moves even slower than publishing does,” joked Carpenter, who will share more at her free “Gothictown” launch party in Roswell March 25.
Here are the details, along with other March events
Saturday, March 8, Kimberly Brock. Friends of the Sandy Springs Library and Bookmiser will host Brock recounting her latest novel, “The Fabled Earth.” 2 p.m. Free. Sandy Springs Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway Northeast, Atlanta. 770-509-5611. bookmiser.net/events.html
Tuesday, March 11, Colleen Oakley launching “Jane and Dan at the End of the World.” 12.30 p.m. Free. Bookmiser, 3822 Roswell Road, Marietta. 770-5095611. bookmiser.net/events.html
Thursday, March 13, Kimberly Belle. The USA Today and internationally bestselling author will recap her thriller, “The Paris Widow.” 6:30 p.m. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-232-9331. read-it-again.com
Wednesday, March 19, Daniel Stone author luncheon spotlighting “American Poison.” 11:30 a.m. $40, which includes lunch. Polo Golf and Country Club Clubhouse, 1300 Polo Fields Parkway, Cumming. Sponsored by Altrusa International of North Georgia with book sales by Read It Again Bookstore. ticketleap.events/tickets/altrusangaevents/author-sluncheon-with-daniel-stone
Wednesday, March 19, Delilah Dawson detailing her latest novel, “It Will Only Hurt for a Moment.” Free. 7 p.m. Johns Creek Books, 6000 Medlock Bridge Road. 770-696-9999. johnscreekbooks.com
Saturday, March 22, Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference for indie authors and anyone considering
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self-publishing. Sponsored by the Atlanta Writers Club. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $139-$199. Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center, 800 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. atlantaselfpublishingconference.com/ Saturday, March 22, Aimie Runyon discussing “The Wandering Season” with Grace Helena Walz. Free. 1 p.m. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. 770-797-5566. Poeandcompanybookstore.com
Tuesday, March 25, Emily Carpenter “Gothictown” launch party with sips, snacks, books and gifts. Free but a book purchase is appreciated, available through Bookmiser. 6 p.m. Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room, 1055 Canton St., Unit 100, Roswell. RSVP to Emily@emilycarpenterauthor.com
Wednesday, March 26, Colleen Oakley celebration hosted by Poe & Company Bookstore. 5:30 p.m. $40, which includes a copy of “Jane and Dan at the End of the World,” drinks and heavy appetizers. Brookfield Country Club, 100 Willow Run Road Roswell. 770797-5566. poeandcompanybookstore.com/all-events
Thursday, March 27, Emily Carpenter, “Gothictown.” 6:30 p.m. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. 770-2329331. read-it-again.com
To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@ gmail.com by the 15th.
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Longtime senior living provider calls for continued local support
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — To celebrate six decades as one of Metro Atlanta’s leading providers of affordable housing for seniors, Campbell-Stone held a grand reveal Jan. 16 for its renovated Buckhead campus.
The nonprofit, which calls itself an affordable living community with heart, serves nearly 600 residents across two facilities in Buckhead and Sandy Springs.
Affordability isn’t Campbell-Stone’s only priority, the nonprofit has used decades of community support to provide high-quality, safe and caring community for seniors.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock contributed remarks for the 60th anniversary ceremony, while the Fulton County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Jan. 16 “CampbellStone Senior Living Appreciation Day.”
Dickens, who has made housing a priority in his first term, said Campbell-Stone is a trusted partner for legacy residents that enhances their quality of life.
The celebration, including a tour of its newly renovated lobby and bistro at its Buckhead campus, centered around Campbell-Stone’s dedication to the well-being of aging adults and its role as a champion for subsidized senior living in Metro Atlanta.
Fulton County commissioners Dana Barrett and Bob Ellis joined state Sens. Josh McLaurin and Jason Esteves to celebrate the nonprofit’s impact since 1964. Its other facility is just outside of I-285 off Carpenter Drive in Sandy Springs.
State legislators and county commissioners join Campbell-Stone CEO
the nonprofit’s 60th anniversary celebration Jan. 16. With facilities in Sandy Springs and Buckhead, Campbell-Stone specializes in affordable communities for nearly 600 seniors.
Campbell-Stone CEO Maria Manahan said the nonprofit is proud of the progress it has made over the past 60 years, but the work is far from over.
satisfy the admission criteria for Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs.
Some residents, detailing their experiences at both facilities online, compare the apartment community to being on a cruise ship surrounded by friends and fun.
At Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs, the nonprofit has a dedicated floor of licensed professional care with staff available 24/7 to work with patients and their families on a plan tailored to their needs. Its Sandy Springs operation provides seniors with the option to “age in place,” allowing residents to start in residential living and then transition to personal care if necessary.
The Sandy Springs facility has 197 residential apartments, including 22 for licensed personal care. The facility off Pharr Court South in Buckhead has 342 apartments.
“Providing senior housing is more critical than ever, and our mission is to ensure that all seniors in Atlanta not only have a place to live, but a place to thrive,” Manahan said. “We are excited about the future and the ongoing impact we can make in our community.”
While the Christian Church in Georgia sponsors Campbell-Stone entities, housing and services are offered to all.
An applicant for occupancy must be at least 62 years old or qualify as mobility-impaired. Applicants also must meet the eligibility requirements of the Section 8 rental assistance program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and
HUD subsidizes fees for qualified residents, making the personal care facilities among the few in Georgia with rental assistance.
Housing affordability has become a national issue in the United States. According to a 2023 report from Harvard University, fewer than 15 percent of single adults aged 75 or older can afford both the costs of housing and long-term care services, such as inhome medical care, household support or assisted living facilities.
See CAMPBELL, Page 9
CAMPBELL-STONE/PROVIDED
Maria Manahan, front left, for
Campbell:
Continued from Page 8
As the population of older adults is increasing at historic rates, Campbell-Stone says it remains dedicated to ensuring that Metro Atlanta’s aging adults never have to chose between affordable housing and a safe, caring community.
During the Sandy Springs City Council’s annual retreat in early February, elected officials discussed high housing costs and the aging homeowners occupying homes with limited downsizing options in the city.
With a limited stock, consisting mostly of single-family residences, alternative or missing middle housing can alleviate pressures on existing and prospective homebuyers in Metro Atlanta.
Looking ahead, Campbell-Stone wants to grow its philanthropic support from individuals and the corporate community.
While HUD subsidies go a long way, the nonprofit says the surge in need for affordable senior communities intensifies its need for supplemental funding.
To learn more about CampbellStone, visit www.campbellstone.org..
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs, an affordable-living senior facility just north of I-285, has residential apartments and licensed personal care. The nonprofit celebrated its 60th anniversary in January with remarks from local and state leaders.
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Alpharetta mourns detective following short cancer battle
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
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ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Residents lined sidewalks to honor a long-time Alpharetta Police Department detective who died of cancer recently.
Detective Brian Smith was honored by a procession along Old Milton and Westside parkways and Cumming Street March 4. Smith died of pancreatic cancer Feb. 26. Public safety officials also placed a memorial patrol vehicle in his memory at Westside and Old Milton parkways.
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He was one of Alpharetta’s longest tenured detectives, serving from 2007 to 2021. At the time of his death, he was working in the Alpharetta Public Safety Department’s Technology Division.
Capt. Jakai Braithwaite, who considered Smith a friend and colleague, recalled Smith as a dedicated, intelligent and supportive investigator who specialized in technology. He was particularly skilled with social media, often scouring web pages for evidence.
Smith’s death has rocked the tightknit Detective Bureau, which includes about 20 investigators, Braithwaite said.
The specialized expertise and difficult demands of the job means detectives share a strong bond, making the loss of one of their own especially painful, the police captain said.
Investigators are often subjected to traumatic experiences and long hours. But they also have a special pride in their work.
Braithwaite described Smith as a quiet man whose humor shined through to those he warmed up to.
Smith primarily investigated property and financial crimes, but he worked on thousands of cases of all kinds, lending a hand with cases whenever asked.
He often helped other investigators by helping them pull security camera video and other tech issues.
“You could always call on him to be there for you,” Braithwaite said.
Smith’s death came suddenly about two weeks after receiving a diagnosis for Stage IV pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer often has no symptoms until it has reached advanced stages, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Smith was admitted to the hospital shortly after he began experiencing stomach pains. His initial diagnosis gave him about six months to live.
“It was an emotional roller coaster,” Braithwaite said.
Smith was set to retire in July at the age of 55.
Each line in the puzzle below has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
BASEBALL BITS
1. Eagle’s home. Base on balls. Destiny
2. Round-tripper, in brief. Chess piece. Nothing at all.
3. Short fly. Bee’s residence. It’s on the front of the house, usually
4. Music genre. Unfeeling. One way to get your uniform dirty.
5. Diva’s solo. Food fish. It’s on the sideline.
6. Chubby plus. Umpire’s call. Cowboy’s rope.
7. Margarita fruit. Poe’s bird. It could lead to an unearned run.
1 Eagle’s home. Base on balls. Destiny
2. Round-tripper, in brief. Chess piece. Nothing at all.
How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
3. Short fly. Bee’s residence. It’s on the front of the house, usually.
4. Music genre. Unfeeling. One way to get your uniform dirty
5. Diva’s solo. Food fish. It’s on the sideline
6. Chubby plus. Umpire’s call. Cowboy’s rope
7. Margarita fruit. Poe’s bird. It could lead to an unearned run
How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. A number below the diagonal line is the sum of the white squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.
The Tale of Two Markets: Alpharetta’s diverging real estate landscape
Brought to you by - Tracy Morton, Realtor, HOME Real Estate, LLC
The Atlanta metro real estate market is often discussed as a whole, but the reality is that it operates as a collection of micro-markets, each with its own dynamics. Nowhere is this more evident than in the stark contrast between areas like Alpharetta, which continues to be an extreme seller’s market, and other parts of metro Atlanta that lean toward a buyer’s market. Understanding these differences is crucial for both buyers and sellers navigating today’s real estate landscape.
Alpharetta: A strong seller’s market
If you currently live in Alpharetta, you understand why our housing market has and is outperforming other metro areas. Excellent local schools, investment in parks and pedestrian friendly infrastructure, a vibrant downtown, shopping, investment in cultural outlets and a vibrant business community, make Alpharetta one of the best places in live in Georgia and the southeast. And guess what folks? The secret is out! As of January 2025, Redfin reported that the medium price of a home in Alpharetta was $770,000, reflecting a 15.1% year over year increase. Compare this to our Marietta friends to west who had a negative 13.1% year over year growth, our friends to the east in Lawrenceville who had 12.8% increase year over year and in Sandy Springs to the south that a .93% decrease year over year.
Here’s what defines Alpharetta’s market:
• Low inventory, high demand: Homes in Alpharetta often receive multiple offers within days of hitting the market, with some selling above asking price.
• Strong job market: The city’s proximity to major corporate offices and tech hubs fuels continued demand.
• Rising home prices: Median home prices in Alpharetta have consistently trended upward, pricing some buyers out but rewarding homeowners with significant equity growth.
• New construction still selling fast: Even with high interest rates, new developments in Alpharetta are experiencing strong demand, often with waitlists for new builds.
For sellers, this environment means minimal days on market and strong negotiating power. Buyers, however, often find themselves competing aggressively, waiving contingencies, and sometimes offering cash to secure a home.
Outside North Fulton: A shift toward a buyer’s market
While North Fulton remains a hotbed for sellers, other areas of metro Atlanta are seeing a shift toward
more favorable conditions for buyers. Locations farther south or into the outer suburbs, such as parts of South Fulton, Clayton County, and even areas of Gwinnett and Cobb counties, are experiencing a different trend:
• Higher inventory levels: More homes are staying on the market longer, giving buyers more choices and negotiation power.
• Price adjustments: Unlike Alpharetta, sellers in these areas are more likely to reduce prices or offer incentives to attract buyers.
• Increased buyer leverage: Sellers are more open to covering closing costs, offering rate buy-downs, and negotiating on inspections and repairs.
• Less competitive bidding: Unlike the frenzy in North Fulton, homes in these areas may see fewer multiple-offer situations, allowing buyers to take their time in decision-making.
For buyers looking for affordability and negotiating power, these areas present great opportunities to purchase without the extreme pressure seen in hotter markets.
What this means for buyers and sellers
Understanding these contrasting markets can help both buyers and sellers make more informed decisions:
• Sellers in Alpharetta and North Fulton can expect continued demand but should remain mindful of shifting economic factors like interest rates and affordability constraints for buyers.
• Sellers in softer markets should price competitively and consider offering incentives to attract buyers.
• Buyers looking for high-demand areas should be prepared to move quickly and possibly offer over asking price.
• Buyers seeking better deals may find excellent opportunities in areas outside of the competitive North Fulton market, where they have more room to negotiate.
Final thoughts
The Atlanta real estate market is a tale of two realities—one where homes sell in days with multiple offers and another where buyers have more choices and negotiating power. For expert guidance on navigating these markets, working with a knowledgeable real estate professional who understands these trends can make all the difference.
Questions about what your home is worth? Call, email or text me anytime at Tracy@homegeorgia.com or 404-784-6970.
ISTOCK
MORTON
David Patterson Homes offers exceptional living on Lake Lanier and affordable new townhomes in Dawsonville
Brought to you by - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division
David Patterson Homes, a name synonymous with quality craftsmanship and distinctive design, is proud to introduce two exceptional communities in Forsyth and Dawson Counties. With over 15 years of expertise in home design and construction across Atlanta and the Lake Lanier region, David Patterson Homes continues to create thoughtfully designed homes that blend timeless elegance with modern convenience.
Lakeside luxury at Long Hollow Landing
For those dreaming of lakefront living, Long Hollow Landing on Lake Lanier is a must-see. This exclusive community in Gainesville/Forsyth County offers stunning lakeside homesites, including three move-inready homes—two of which are situated
directly on the lake and include a private boat slip at the community dock.
Located in a prime mid-lake setting, Long Hollow Landing provides effortless access by boat to local favorites like Pelican Pete’s. The community also features a shared dock and gathering area, creating the perfect backdrop for lakeside living. Homes start at $699,000, with direct lakefront homes priced from $1.4 million. Each home is designed with impeccable craftsmanship, elegant interiors, and breathtaking views, ensuring a truly luxurious lakeside lifestyle.
In addition to its scenic beauty and water access, Long Hollow Landing boasts top-tier schools, including Chestatee Elementary, Little Mill Middle, and the highly acclaimed East Forsyth High School.
Charming, affordable townhomes at Downtown Fausett in Dawsonville
For those seeking a stylish yet
affordable new home, Downtown Fausett in Dawsonville presents an exciting new opportunity. This exclusive community features 24 beautifully designed maintenance free townhomes showcasing European transitional farmhouse exteriors. Each residence offers three bedrooms and 2.5 baths, priced from the high $300s—a fantastic value for new construction in this prime location.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Dawsonville, Downtown Fausett provides unparalleled convenience. Just minutes from GA 400, shopping, dining, Lake Lanier, and the North Georgia mountains, this community offers the perfect balance between small-town charm and easy access to everything Atlanta has to offer.
Unmatched quality & award-winning design
David Patterson Homes is known for its exceptional attention to detail,
innovative designs, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Their homes feature timeless architecture, highend finishes, and thoughtfully curated interiors, ensuring a luxurious yet functional living experience. The company’s dedication to quality has earned them multiple Greater Atlanta Professionalism Awards for excellence in homebuilding and marketing. Now is the perfect time to explore these extraordinary communities. Whether you’re looking for a stylish new townhome in Dawsonville or a luxury lakefront retreat, David Patterson Homes has the perfect home for you.
For more information, contact 404.821.9807 or visit www. DavidPattersonHomes.com. Make sure to ask about our current incentives. Sales and marketing by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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Estates Law Center USA
Even if a person cannot read or write, they can still create a legally valid estate plan with the help of an attorney or trusted individual. By verbally expressing their wishes, they can collaborate with a legal professional to draft essential documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, which can then be notarized or signed in front of witnesses to ensure they are legally binding. This process often involves having a trusted person act as a witness or help document the person's wishes accurately. While the specific requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction, there are legal tools and provisions available to accommodate individuals with limited literacy, such as oral wills in certain circumstances. The key is ensuring the person’s intentions are clearly understood and properly recorded, while complying with local laws. These le-
gal tools provide a means for individuals to make critical decisions about their healthcare, finances, and the distribution of their assets, even if they face challenges with reading or writing. Additionally, creating a plan with an experienced estate planning attorney ensures that the person's wishes are respected, helps avoid future disputes, and safeguards the individual’s interests. It is crucial to begin the estate planning process early and make sure the person has trusted people—whether family, friends, or legal professionals—who can advocate for their desires and assist with the execution of the plan.
• Does my Will protect my “stuff”? (It does not.)
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• How do Irrevocable Trusts work?
• Medicaid. What’s true and what’s not?
March Workshops: Thurs., Mar 20 - 12 pm (Lunch and Learn) Thurs., Mar 6 - 12 pm (Lunch and Learn) Tues., Mar 18 – 4 pm
• How do I protect my assets for my family and legacy?
• How do I remain in control?
• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?
• How can my family avoid probate?
Attend our FREE Educational Workshops. Reserve your Spot and Get a FREE Consultation for attending the Workshop (a $500 Value) CODE: herald2023
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SOLEIL BELMONT PARK
New Homes from $500’s - $800’s
3 Homes Ready for Immediate Move-In
305 Belmont Park Court, Canton, GA 30115 | 770-635-4080 SoleilBP com
DOWNTOWN FAUSETT
New Townhomes from $379’s
4 Townhomes Ready Now
373 Highway 9 N., Dawsonville, GA 30534 | 678-578-6763 DavidPattersonHomes.com
MADDUX PATH
New Home on 2+ Acres in Cumming Final Opportunity $ 879,000 Move-In Ready Home
6350 Bannister Rd. Cumming, GA 30028 | 404-821-9807 DavidPattersonHomes.com
THE HOMESTEAD AT MILTON
3-10 Acre Homesites from $ 900’s to $ 1M+ Only 7 Opportunities Remain 15135 Hopewell Rd. Milton, GA 30004 | 678-578-6740 TheHomesteadatMilton.com
HILLANDALE IN ROSWELL
Luxury Homes from $1M+ 2 Move-In Ready Homes with Price Adjustments
1005 Coleman Place Dr., Roswell, GA 30075 | 770-254-5372 PMCommunities.com REPRESENTING NEW HOME COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT
LONG HOLLOW LANDING
On the Shores of Lake Lanier Homes from $ 700’s to $ 1M+
3 Move-in Ready Homes - 2 with a Boat Slip 7970 Beryl Overlook, Gainesville, GA 30506 | 678-578-6833 DavidPattersonHomes.com
Lori Lane, President | New Homes Division, Luxury Collection and Global Contact us at 404.801.7180 | visit BHHSGANewHomes.com | follow Lori@the_lorilane Buckhead Office, 3744 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342 | Roswell Office, 100 Mansell Ct. East, Suite 600 Roswell, GA 30076
Luxury Active Adult Living in Canton
Homesite 5 -The Scarlett
Spring forward: Is your home still the right fit?
Brought to you by – The Dolan Group Spring is in the air—longer days, blooming flowers, and a sense of renewal all around. As nature transitions, many homeowners are reassessing their living spaces. Does this sound familiar? Whether you’re looking to reduce maintenance, lower expenses, or simply find a home that better suits your lifestyle, spring is the perfect time to explore your options.
If you’re reassessing your home needs, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are realizing their current space no longer aligns with their lifestyle. The good news? The real estate market is strong, and demand for well-maintained homes remains high—especially in Alpharetta, where inventory is scarce. If you’ve been considering simplifying your life, now might be the perfect time to make your move.
5 Signs It’s Time to Right-Size Your Home:
1.Your Monthly Costs Are Too High. You’re paying for space you don’t use, whether in mortgage payments,
taxes, or upkeep. Downsizing could free up money for travel, investments, or peace of mind.
2. You’re Cleaning Unused Space. Why spend time vacuuming rooms that sit empty? A well-designed, smaller home can give you more freedom.
3. Home Maintenance Feels Overwhelming. If lawn care, repairs, and upkeep are draining your weekends, it may be time for a lower-maintenance option.
4. Your Extra Rooms Are Just Storage. Unused bedrooms filled with boxes? It might be time to rethink your space.
5. Utility Bills Keep Climbing. Heating and cooling a large home is costly—downsizing could mean significant savings.
Considering a Move? The Dolan Group Can Help.
Moving is a big decision, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let’s explore your options and find a home that truly fits your life today. Spring is all about fresh starts—maybe it’s time for yours.
MELANIE
Find your one of a kind.
Scan to view this month’s collection of featured properties exclusively represented by our firm.
Five traits of indooroutdoor retreats
Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad
Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Indooroutdoor integration has emerged as a defining trend in high-end real estate. From expansive glass walls to resort-inspired outdoor living spaces, here are five defining traits that transform a home into a true indoor-outdoor retreat.
1. Expansive glass doors paired with open layouts.
Nothing invites the outdoors in quite like an architectural design that allows natural light to pour in while offering unobstructed views. Popular examples include retractable glass walls and pivoting or accordion-style glass doors that transform a dining room into an al fresco space. Openconcept layouts further enhance the connection, allowing living areas to extend onto covered patios, pool decks or garden terraces.
2. Complementing materials. Visual harmony packs a serious punch, and homes that maintain consistency between indoor and outdoor materials achieve elevated status. A good example is a floor— whether hardwood, natural stone or concrete—that extends across both spaces and creates a seamless transition. This approach is also echoed in architectural details like matching ceiling beams, coordinated cabinets and complementing stone finishes.
3. Covered outdoor spaces.
Luxury indoor-outdoor retreats prioritize comfort and usability with covered outdoor spaces that allow for year-round enjoyment. Expansive verandas, pergolas and retractable awnings provide shade and protection from the elements, while high-tech options such as motorized retractable screens and climate-controlled patios add convenience and allow all-season use.
4. Integrated outdoor amenities. Time to integrate the resort-style amenities. Think gourmet outdoor kitchens with built-in grills, pizza ovens and wine fridges for al fresco dining, or swim-up bars and sunken fire pits that elevate poolside lounging. Or prioritize a lifestyle of balance with open-air wellness spaces—such as yoga pavilions, infrared saunas and cold plunge pools.
5. Lush, private landscaping.
Perhaps the most important feature of an indoor-outdoor retreat is its ability to create a sense of seclusion and tranquility through thoughtfully designed landscaping. Layered greenery, natural stone pathways and strategically placed trees are just a few ways to enhance privacy while maintaining breathtaking views.
More than just a design trend, indooroutdoor retreats are a hallmark of luxury real estate, and properties that blend sophistication with nature command premium appeal. For discerning buyers, these retreats offer more than just a place to live—they provide a private sanctuary, redefining what it means to experience true luxury at home. Reach out to Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300 for all your real estate needs. We would be happy to assist you!
Compiled and edited by Angela Valente, Marketing Copywriter/Copyeditor
PEXELS
Why a turnkey, one-stop shop is essential for your bath or kitchen remodel
Brought to you by − Bath and Kitchen
When it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, the process can quickly become overwhelming. From creating ideas and solutions, and selecting materials to finding contractors for plumbing, electrical work, and installation, managing multiple vendors and services can be stressful.
Remodeling projects start with a vision but bringing that vision to life requires expertise. An in-house design team needs to work closely with you to create a customized plan that reflects your personal style, and preferences, and stays within your budget—offering services like 3D renderings, so you can visualize your space before any work begins. With expert guidance every step of the way, you can be confident your project is set up for success.
Coordinating multiple contractors— plumbers, electricians, tile installers, and more—can be time-consuming and frustrating. With a turnkey remodeler, you get full-service project management, to handle every aspect of the renovation. Having a team to ensure that the design, material selection, scheduling, and installation are all aligned to create a smooth, stress-free experience is key. You don’t have to worry about chasing contractors or keeping up with timelines—it will be done all for you.
One of the biggest advantages of working with a one-stop shop is the convenience of having everything you need in one place. A great showroom should be filled with an extensive selection of cabinetry in a variety of styles and finishes, plumbing fixtures from top brands, countertops including granite, quartz, marble, and more, tile for floors and backsplashes, and hardware to complete your design.
Rather than running around town searching for materials, you can explore all your options under one roof, with our team guiding you through each choice.
Choosing a turnkey, one-stop-shop remodeler like Bath & Kitchen Galleria means more than just convenience—it means a smoother, more enjoyable remodeling experience with expert guidance, seamless coordination, and a wide selection of top-quality products to choose from while staying in your budget.
Whether you're transforming your bathroom or remodeling your kitchen, Bath & Kitchen Galleria is here to handle every detail, so you can sit back and enjoy the results! For more information visit Bath & Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) M-F, 9-5 and Saturday, 10-4, or call them at 678-459-2292 or visit BathandKitchenGalleria.com to schedule an appointment online.
BEGINS AT THE TOP
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm, re-imagining how bath & kitchen remodels are done.
Complete Remodeling Design and Installation Services. We even remove walls!
Guiding you through the whole design process. Ask about our 3D Renderings.
Making bath & kitchen remodeling fun, easy and affordable.
Galleria
Londyn Walker named Region 7, 5A Player of the Year
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga — Milton girls point guard Londyn Walker took home the Player of the Year award for region 7 of 5A this season.
She leads her team in points (over 17) and assists (nearly 7), and she is tied with fellow senior Raygen Lewis in steals (nearly 4).
She’s a hairstylist, she scores at will, she provides mentorship to the underclassmen on her team. What can’t she do?
Honored by Sports Illustrated as a nominee and voted by the public as the Most Underrated women’s high school basketball player in the country, Walker received over 50 percent of the vote in the magazine’s competition.
With more than 7,000 votes, she more than doubled the runner-up and accrued more votes than all other nominees combined.
Despite success today, Walker’s mom Carol Brown said it took some coaxing to get a ball in her hands.
“When she would come to her cousins’ basketball games at Milton, she would hang out with the cheerleaders,” Brown said. “Until she saw the girls team dressed up with sparkles in their hair and said, ‘I’ll give this basketball thing a try.”
“I’ve always been a girly girl,” Walker said. “It’s carried over into how I play now, I want to be a girly girl and still dog people on the court.”
Brown commented on how meaningful it has
Milton point guard Londyn Walker gets low to defend against Johns Creek’s leading scorer Savannah Jenkins. Walker is dominant on both ends of the court, averaging 3.8 steals per game this season.
been to see Walker grow into the point guard role.
Walker’s coach Julian Barfield agreed.
“For someone that has just started playing the point guard position, she’s easily the second-best in the state,” he said. “And I would argue first, I don’t know too many point guards that can put up 17, 16 and 8 [Walker’s statline against TriCities]. She’s a sponge, everybody sees it, she’s so coachable.”
Walker’s season highs for points and assists are
29 and 14, demonstrating she’s capable of directing traffic and getting her own offensive momentum moving. She has notched two double-doubles this season by way of assists or rebounds.
Walker has received several Division I offers but has yet to commit where she will play at the next level. She has recorded eight games this season with over 20 points and is shooting 75 percent at the free-throw line.
Q: How did you feel when you found out about the Sports Illustrated article?
A: I felt really good. I feel like I put a lot of work in, working hard in the gym 24/7 trying to get toward my goals. (Stepdad Shannon Thomas chimed in, “Numbers don’t lie!”)
Q: What has been your favorite memory of high school basketball?
A: The North Carolina trip that we all took in November, it was really fun. Everybody came through, we didn’t win the championship, but everybody played hard, and I think we all played our roles. That was probably the most fun we’ve had as a team.
Q: What is your advice to young basketball players?
A: Even when you encounter obstacles, you gotta keep pushing. There’s been so many obstacles where I just wanted to quit and give up, but if you keep going the outcome is greater than the challenges.
Milton girls advance to state Final Four
By ANNABELLE REITER
annabelle@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — The Milton girls advanced to the Georgia State Basketball Tournament 5A Final Four for the first time since 2009 after a 69-56 home win over Brunswick Feb. 25.
The Eagles moved on to their first away game of the postseason, lining up against River Ridge Feb. 28 at Georgia State University.
Sophomore Tamia Tomlinson said Milton is ready to face off against River Ridge in a rematch of a Dec. 13 game the Knights won by 10 points.
“We weren’t as tight [in that game] as we are now,” she said. “If we can gain confidence and energy like we did tonight, when everybody’s really connecting, it just makes everyone’s games build off each other.”
The Eagles got to the quarterfinals by defeating TriCities in the Sweet Sixteen Feb. 21, 72-39.
Against Brunswick, the Eagles kept the lead through all 32 minutes, most times ahead by 10 points or more.
Both teams came prepared with stiff defenses to fight for a trip to the Final Four. But the Eagles kept the pressure on past the halftime break, holding the Pirates to one basket over a five-and-a-half-minute stretch.
Point guard Londyn Walker and wing Deyva Davis took off in the fast break with 23 points and nine rebounds apiece. Walker also contributed five assists and three steals. Davis tallied three assists and two
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
The Milton Eagles get their set ready against Brunswick in the quarter finals game at Milton High School Feb. 25. Milton beat the Pirates 69-56 to advance to the Final Four.
steals.
Head coach Julian Barfield said he was proud of the team for making it to the Final Four for the first time in his tenure as Milton’s coach.
“We’re family,” he said. “As long as they stick together, they’re gonna be fine. We have two players that you just can’t stay in front of when they’re getting downhill, and that really gets our wheels turning as a team.”
The Eagles’ win over Tri-Cities Feb. 21 in the Sweet Sixteen was another display of scoring distribu-tion and defensive toughness.
The Eagles had three players in double figures for points and rebounds.
Sophomore Deyva Davis tied with Londyn Walker to lead the team with 17 points. Davis also racked up five rebounds and two steals.
“Everything came together,” she said. “I think we did a lot better looking up the court. We have a really well-rounded team this year.”
Walker also tallied 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals.
Forward Caroline Young notched the team’s second double-double, with 15 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and three steals.
Center Zana Justice topped the Eagles’ dominance on the glass with 14 rebounds to go with her 6 points.
Milton’s stiff defense kept the Bulldogs quiet offensively. The Eagles lead extended each time the buzzer sounded, 5 points at the first quarter, then 11 at halftime.
The second half saw Milton’s offense take off, putting up 23 points in the third quarter with scoring flurries from Walker and Davis.
Milton head coach Barfield used his ongoing analogy of a roller coaster to describe the team’s progression to this point.
“We’re coming down again,” he said. “Our defense is sound. I think we all understand the scout and so when they share the ball, we’re tough to beat.”
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Johns Creek City Council honors singer/songwriter
By ADAM DARBY adam@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek City Council recognized local singer/songwriter Mikaela Ayira Feb. 24 by presenting a proclamation honoring her achievements in music and representing her hometown.
Ayira has performed at numerous local events including the city’s first MLK Unity breakfast and a Juneteenth celebration while also singing the National Anthem at a WNBA game for the Atlanta Dream.
The 16-year-old musician found success recently on NBC’s “The Voice,” competing against other singers around the country. While appearing on multiple episodes of the acclaimed competition series, she was placed on a team with rapper Snoop Dogg and placed in the top 20 competitors total and top 5 for her team. Throughout her appearances on the show, Ayira proudly mentioned her hometown several times.
“The City of Johns Creek is proud of her accomplishments and is looking forward to seeing her future successes as she pursues her goals to become a well-known singer/songwriter,” Mayor John Bradbury said while reading the proclamation. “I do hereby commend Mikaela Ayira for her talent and her success that she has shared with her community here at Johns Creek.”
In other business Feb. 24, the council discussed consideration of an ordinance amending the city’s
District) to construct an 8,000 square-foot medical office building. A concurrent variance is requested to allow encroachment into the 75-foot stream buffer to construct a retaining wall, building foundation footing and an underground infiltration system.
However, the council was informed that the applicant recently submitted a letter of withdrawal from the deal and removal from further pursuing the development.
“Before getting into the presentation, I did want to mention that the applicant has requested for a withdrawal,” Community Development Director Ben Song said. “They went to the Planning Commission on Feb. 4 and requested the same…the property owner has terminated the contract.”
The Council unanimously voted to accept the withdrawal.
Council members then approved the consideration of a resolution to appoint members to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee, and Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment Committee.
zoning map for a property at 3730 Old Alabama Road.
The applicant originally intended to rezone the subject property to C-1 (Community Business
“I’d like to thank everyone for stepping up to some critical positions that received volunteering from many different people here,” City Councilman Larry DiBiase said. “These are some of the most important committees we have in the city…it’s a lot of work, but we sure do appreciate it.”
To see the full meeting and agenda along with the council’s upcoming meeting schedule, visit www. JohnsCreekGa.gov.
Sandy Springs lists lineup for summer concert series
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — This summer, Sandy Springs is hosting two family-friendly concert series: City Green Live and Concerts by the Springs.
The free concerts will be at two unique venues in the City Springs district, offering an impressive lineup of live performances and bringing together a wide range of musical genres to the heart of the city.
City Green Live will feature high-energy, nationally touring artists performing on the 4-acre park’s stage off Galambos Way. It offers attendees a lively, outdoor music experience whether they’re a fan of rock ’n’ roll, R&B or pop.
Residents and visitors are invited to bring chairs, blankets, friends and family to enjoy a night on the lawn. In addition to the music, there will be a variety of food and beverage options available from food trucks, pop-up bars and nearby restaurants.
The Friday night series promises an unforgettable night under the stars, with the following performances scheduled:
• April 11 – Tonic (rock)
• May 23 – Face 2 Face (a tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John)
• June 13 – September in the Park (a tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago)
• July 25 – Black Jacket Symphony (performing Saturday Night Fever)
• August 15 – Moon Taxi (alternative/Indie)
Meanwhile, Concerts by the Springs invites music lovers to enjoy performances at the Heritage Museum & Park’s amphitheater on Sunday afternoons. The series will spotlight a diverse roster of musical acts
ranging from 70s rock revival to funk party hits.
Attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic and relax while enjoying the music, making it the perfect way to dance the evening away with neighbors and family.
The schedule is as follows:
• May 4 – Ansley Stewart Band (pop hits)
• June 1 – Funk Force Five (Motown, oldies, classic R&B)
• July 13 – Troubadour Project (70s rock revival)
• August 3 – Mike Veal Band (blues, rock and funk party hits)
• September 7 – The Bourbon Brothers (a tribute to The Rat Pack)
To learn more, visit www.sandyspringsga.gov/ summerconcerts.
ADAM DARBY/APPEN MEDIA
Local musician Mikaela Ayira represented her hometown of Johns Creek receiving a proclamation from Mayor John Bradberry for her achievements in placing in the top 20 national competitors on NBC’s “The Voice.”
— Hayden Sumlin
CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED
Revelations from Earth and the heavens
I addressed my local school board in Dawson County last Tuesday. Turns out, I was the second person in two years to speak during the public comment portion of a school board meeting or work session. That doesn’t include public hearings about the budget, setting the tax rate or the new statewide homestead exemption. Those hearings were all advertised well in advance.
But, regular meetings? Why, I wondered, do so few residents talk at our school board meetings?
As it happens, our school district has a policy requiring anyone wishing to address the board during the public comment portion of a meeting to file a 24-hour notice. The notice must include your name and
the topic you wish to discuss.
Problem is that the school district does not post the meeting agenda until around noon the day of the meeting. The agenda lists items the board will discuss that evening.
“As I understand it,” I told the School Board, “district policy requires patrons to submit a request to speak on a topic 16 hours before they can possibly know what they want to talk about.”
I recounted a couple of recent measures the board approved – one involving $5 million in expenditures – that the public did not know about until the day of the meeting. Even then, according to the policy, they wouldn’t have been allowed to comment.
To their credit, the board and superintendent tacitly agreed the setup was absurd. The superintendent immediately recognized the problem when I spoke to her before the meeting. She told me it would be fixed.
One School Board member thanked me for bringing the issue to light. She said it’s simply the way things had always been done.
So often, government officials have no idea what it’s like to be on the outside, how difficult it is for the average Joe to be heard.
Space jumble
Late last year, astronomers at the ATLAS survey telescope in Chile detected a small asteroid moving away from Earth. Further observations calculated that the object is on a path that may bring it on a collision course with our planet on Dec. 22, 2032.
Latest studies estimate the asteroid, dubbed 2024 YR4, is between 130 and 295 feet wide, and its chances of striking Earth are close to 2 percent.
Tracking the object will continue through May. After that, it won’t be visible again for another three years.
This is a real deal.
Don’t confuse it with a similar sighting announcement Jan. 2 from the Minor Planet Center at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics at Cambridge, Mass. That object was tracked as having come within 150,000 miles of Earth. That’s closer than the moon.
But, within a day, the Planet Center deleted the warning when the object turned out to be a car – Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster launched in 2018.
Yes, it’s still up there, with a dummy astronaut behind the wheel and roughly 4 million miles on its odometer. The tires are still good, though.
Suppose for a moment that as it approaches in 2032, the YR4 asteroid strikes the Tesla Roadster, diverting it just enough to miss Earth. Musk will again have saved the planet.
And, yes, I checked. The Roadster is equipped with airbags.
03/06/25 02/26/25
03/13/25 03/05/25
03/20/25 03/12/25 03/27/25 03/19/25
ATTENTION LEADERS
Delivers to 28,000 households every Thursday
Zip Codes: 30005, 30009, 30022, 30075, 30076.
Alpharetta & Roswell’s primary news source. Alpharetta and Roswell’s paper of record. Est. 1983
Delivers to 20,000 households every Thursday
Zip Codes: 30022, 30097. Johns Creek’s primary news source. Est. 1997. Johns Creek’s paper of record.
Delivers to 17,000 households every Thursday.
Zip Codes: 30040, 30041. Forsyth County’s largest circulation newspaper. Est. 1998
Delivers to 10,000 households every Thursday.
Zip Code: 30004. Community news for and about the City of Milton. Est. 2006. Milton’s paper of record.
Delivers to 18,000 households every Thursday
Zip Codes: 30338, 30350, 30360, 30346, 30319. Community news for and about the City of Dunwoody and surrounding areas. City of Dunwoody paper of record. Est. 1976.
Delivers to 12,000 households every Thursday
Zip Codes: 30327, 30328, 30342, 30350
PAT FOX Managing Editor pat@appenmedia.com
Lions, tigers and bears oh my
We’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful… Nope.
That may be how it feels, but, well, nope. Ain’t no heart for the lion, nor brains for the scarecrow, just smoke and mirrors and a distant, vague memory of a better time, and then, perhaps, the giant con.
Tariffs and trade, tariffs and trade, oh my. Make us great again, make us great again, oh my. And who doesn’t long for that – those times? Anybody? Bueller?
Off to find the wizard.
As kids, we used to look forward to seeing “The Wizard of Oz.” Back then, it only came on occasionally, maybe once or twice a year. The same was true for “Snoopy’s Christmas” or “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” around Halloween. “Gone with the Wind” was often aired once a year.
Now they are available 24/7, everywhere – no longer something to look forward to – something lost. It was a great time to remember; it was a good time to know – and a giant raw-nerve sucking sound, mostly inaudible – for those who don’t know it, never knew it. And that is
somewhere close to where the reality of our dilemma is found today.
Back then, we all enjoyed the fruits of the greatest generation – single household incomes, a car in every driveway, and driveways as far as the eye could see, thousands of affordable homes in all those subdivisions, courtesy of Levitt & Sons (Levittown) and the like.
And jobs everywhere. They weren’t sexy or transitory like the high-paying tech and health jobs we see today; think working for Ma Bell (AT&T), P&G, the Deere Company, General Motors or even the local bank. They paid a living wage that afforded those homes, a family with three or four kids, and their education – along with two weeks’ vacation at Disney, Silver Springs or “out west” with the camper trailer in tow.
Yes, those jobs are around today, but the affordable homes, that affordable family, the careers, the affordable trip to Disneyworld and Yosemite aren’t to most. Ditto for that stability, security and predictability of the past. And we really, really don’t like living in an unsecure, unpredictable world. No one does. It is hyper-toxic. Hence, “find the wizard.”
Life really was arguably “great” before. You went to college and got a degree. You went out and found a job that became a career; you stayed with that company for about 30 years, and
then you (mandatorily) retired at 65. You were able to buy that affordable home you purchased shortly after starting your career, the one you raised your young family in that you grew out of, and which led to that larger one with a pool perhaps – the one you then sold to downsize and retire to the condo in Sarasota.
Do you remember?
Of course, you don’t remember if you were born say after about 1970 or so, a little bit after the last of the boomers were born. And if you can remember those times, you … well … you are old, like I am. My generation has the benefit of those experiences being part and parcel to our frame of reference, our world view, our perspective.
So what?
So, we are obviously in a period of change – perhaps a massive one –socially, politically and geo-politically. Expectations and past experience (the driver of expectations) surges across the country in a seemingly random pattern or no pattern at all. Those expectations – and perhaps that missing frame of reference – are in large part responsible for what is going on today, right now. Meanwhile, one of the 800-pound gorillas in the room – technology – is evolving at a blinding pace while our social evolution – our ability to understand, manage, and deal with technology – is
evolving at a snail’s pace.
Roughly half the country, about 170 million people born after 1970, have not known and have no concept of that “car in every driveway, three kids and retire to Florida” experience. The lack of “stability” and “predictability” is probably that other 800-pound gorilla in the room today.
All those born after 1970 know is that, generally, they are not very happy about “now,” and they are not really sure why or what is causing that unhappiness.* They want something better. And all that most of them see is a train leaving the station, and they are not on it.
So, they are off to find the “wizard” for solutions. I don’t blame them. I would too. But I hope when they find that solution – when they find that wizard – it’s not just some con man hiding behind a curtain in Oz, but it may well be. Time will tell. Be careful what you ask for; you might just get it.
Bueller? Bueller?
*Bob Dylan - as usual - nailed our current dilemma in his song “Ballad of a Thin Man,” written in 1965. If you are interested, Google “lyrics Ballad of a Thin Man Dylan.”
PS: The current Bob Dylan movie (“A Complete Unknown” is fabulous! Well scripted, well-acted, and very entertaining!
Can you feel the rates on decline?
This week’s musical inspiration comes from the 1981 pop hit, “Can You Feel It,” from the Jackson Five. Maybe it is just me, but I feel things are changing for the better regarding interest rates. We have seen the U.S. 10-year treasury go from a high of 4.81 percent in mid-January to its current level of around 4.30 percent. While the 30-year fixed rate mortgage does not necessarily follow the direction and or percentage movement of the 10-year treasury, it does run very close when watching the direction of
30-year fixed-rate mortgages. By mid-January, we were pushing very close to mortgage rates near 7.50 percent, and now we are just below 6.875 percent in a little over 30 days, and it does not look like this trend is stopping anytime soon.
The U.S. markets as well as the “global” markets are beginning to realize that the “specter” of tariffs, job cuts, deportations and an overall change in economic policies may have a slowing effect on the U.S. economy and economies worldwide. Slowing economies typically lead to lower prices. As overall prices decrease, inflation falls, which causes rates — including mortgage rates — to drop as well.
The concern of a slowing economy was reflected in this week’s
release of the consumer confidence numbers which fell to its lowest levels since August 2021 when the 10-year treasury was hovering around 1 percent and mortgage rates were under 4 percent.
I am not saying, by any stretch, that mortgage rates are heading back to 4 percent or below, but I do believe we will test the 6 percent level and maybe even in the high 5 percent range by mid-summer. This overall slowing in the economy may be just what the doctor ordered for the current slow housing market. Falling rates, especially if we can get closer to 6 percent or high 5 percent territory, could restart the housing sales engine.
Despite what you may hear, there is no doubt, we are in a BUYER’S
market. Houses in the Metro Atlanta are now on the market for an average of 68 days as compared to just a couple of years ago when it was almost less than 15 days. Overall listings in Metro Atlanta are up12 percent compared to this time last year.
All the signs are there for a recovery in the ATL housing market for 2025…Can You Feel It???
D.C. Aiken is vice president, producing production manager for BankSouth Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com.
The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of BankSouth Mortgage or its affiliates.
OPINION
PRESERVING
THE PAST
Aubrey Morris, beloved broadcaster and historian
Few readers will be unaware of the legendary Aubrey Morris. Local folks either read his articles in the Atlanta Journal or heard his gravelly voice on WSB Radio. But Aubrey Morris achieved and retained throughout his career the status of beloved and friend to all. One might consider Walter Cronkite, Edward R. Murrow and Barbara Walters as some of the greatest journalists and broadcasters. Morris played in that league, yet he was a humble and considerate man.
Aubrey Richard Morris (1922-2010) was born and raised in Roswell.
“Since Roswell did not have a high school, he took a school bus every day to Milton High School in Alpharetta graduating in 1940,” says local historian Connie Mashburn.
While in high school, he worked for the Atlanta Journal as a community reporter for Roswell. Reportedly, his first article was “What is the best pet, a cat or dog?”
Morris was trying to figure out what he wanted to do after graduating from high school. A friend, local farmer Earl Mansell, knew that about Aubrey and invited him to attend a meeting of the Agricultural Extension Service at the University of Georgia in Athens. Morris attended and according to Earl Mansell’s son Barry, “Aubrey decided then and there to major in journalism at UGA” where he held leadership positions in numerous campus organizations and programs.
On the day of his graduation in 1945 Morris joined the Atlanta Journal, where he spent 13 years as a police reporter covering city hall and many major stories including desegregation, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the 1946 Winecoff Hotel Fire.
In 1957, WSB Radio program director Elmo Ellis hired Morris away from the Atlanta Journal and made him Atlanta’s first radio newsman. He worked as a news and editorial director at WSB for 30 years before retiring from his remarkable career in 1987.
Tom Brokaw was a news anchor at WSB-TV in 1966 before he joined NBC. He was 25 years old. He and Aubrey became good friends. Brokaw published a lovely remembrance of Aubrey when he died titled “Thank God for newsman Aubrey Morris.”
Carl Jackson, retired educator and board member of the Milton Historical
with Barry and Suzanne Mansell. Barry recalls that Aubrey did carpentry work at the church and that he knew landscaping, trees, plants and how to fix things since he grew up on a farm. “He was proud of his country heritage,” says Barry.
Aubry and Tera lived in a house built in 1895 by Aubrey’s grandfather Richard Perkins located in Roswell where Greenlawn Cemetery is today. The house is known as the Perkins House.
In 1976, Aubrey purchased some land from his sister Neal Moss’s husband Adel, a chicken farmer who owned approximately 20 acres on Francis Road in Milton. Aubrey bought the Perkins House and moved it to Francis Road because he wanted to retire in the country in the house where his mother had lived. He gave some of the property to his daughter Rebecca so she could build a house. Daughter Susan lives in the original Perkins House. Rhoda lives in Cumming.
The Perkins House had been vacant for several years when Aubrey acquired it in 1985. The kitchen, dining room and living room have heart pine walls and ceilings. The mantels, lighting fixtures and other valuables had been removed, so “Mom and Daddy lovingly restored the house. Daddy refinished all the doors. One replacement door had a hole in it, supposedly a bullet hole from the Civil War,” Susan says.
Rhoda says “family was the top priority” for her parents. She described “My Daddy” as pugnacious when she spoke at the 2017 posthumous induction of Aubrey into the Atlanta Press Club Hall of Fame.
Rhoda notes that Aubrey enlisted in the Navy during World War II. He burst an eardrum during training, became permanently deaf in one ear and was disqualified from further service.
Society, was an intern at WSB Radio in 1974 while he was a high school senior. On his first day when he was “scared to death,” he met Morris “who took one look at me and told me to clear the news wire machines and sort the stories and updates. I knew then I was part of something special, and Aubrey Morris made me feel at home. I will never forget the day I met a legend.”
In 1949, Aubrey married Tera Travlis Griffin (1927-2021), a student
at the Grady Hospital School of Nursing where she was president of the Student Council and treasurer of the senior class. They met when Aubrey was covering a beauty pageant for student nurses, which Tera won. Aubrey and Tera had three daughters, Rebecca Fricton and Susan Moe, who live in Alpharetta, and Rhoda Owens who lives in Cumming.
Aubrey and Tera attended St Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Milton where they renewed their friendship
According to Rebecca, her father was a perfect “girl-dad.” He wrote weekly letters to his daughters when they entered college. “He was in love with the dictionary,” says Rebecca, “and he wanted us to write the right way.”
Carl Jackson put it best: “Aubrey Morris was a common man who did uncommon things.”
Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
BOB MEYERS Columnist
PHOTO DIGITAL LIBRARY OF GEORGIA
At right, Aubrey Morris operates a control console in a WSB control room while two students observe.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB MANSELL
From left, Earl Mansell and newscaster Aubrey Morris are shown at the 50th wedding anniversary for Earl and Lillian Mansell in 1985. Earl had a major influence on Morris’s decision to study journalism at the University of Georgia. The two men were lifelong friends.
Share the love with passalong plants
Passalong plants are those we acquire when another gardener shares a seed, a cutting or a plant. Sharing or passing along plants and seeds is one of the oldest traditions in gardening.
My garden is special to me because of the contributions from friends and fellow gardeners, which includes many plants that are often not available in our large retail nurseries. My inspiration and wisdom come from generous people who share their plants: daylilies, mountain mint, salvia, bee balm and flowering almond.
Passalong plants are typically durable and easy to propagate, and they often come with experienced advice on how to continue their success. The added bonus is that when from friends and neighbors, they are free! The nature of passalong plants being easy to propagate makes it necessary for us to let our recipients know how the plants spread. Some plants will pass themselves along!
Timing
Passalong plants are easy to propagate by cuttings, division and seeds, and they can be propagated in fall or spring.
A good rule of thumb is to divide your perennials in the season opposite of when they bloom. For example, I divide my spring bloomers (Stokes aster, phlox, and bee balm) in the fall.
Cuttings
A cutting is a term for using a stem, leaf or root to reproduce a plant. Both herbaceous and woody plants can be propagated from cuttings.
I find stem cuttings the easiest to propagate. I choose a stem 3-5 inches long and remove all but three or four leaves. Plants can be rooted in water or soil. In soil, dipping the tip of the stem in rooting hormone can enhance propagation.
Division
Many perennials and bulbs eventually become overcrowded and thrive when divided. Mature plants can be separated by digging up a clump, pulling apart the smaller plants or by using a sharp spade or knife to cut the clump or tuber into smaller pieces. This is true of plants such as Stoke’s aster, bluestem grass, and irises.
On some plants, you will find babies
About the author
This week’s “Garden Buzz” guest columnist is Julie Dangel, a lifelong researcher and educator and a North Fulton Master Gardener since 2015. She is a native Georgian and a resident of Sandy Springs for 40 years. As a member of the North Fulton Master Gardeners, she has served on the board and divides her time volunteering between the Teaching Museum/ Greenhouse and Lost Corner Preserve.
around the base that can be replanted. I find this to be true for herbs and succulents as well.
Seeds
You can also save seeds as your plant matures or just let them ripen on the plant. These seeds will re-germinate in the soil with favorable conditions.
My favorites, including cleome, four o’clocks and milkweed, are easy to propagate by seeds.
To grow your plants from seeds, plant them outside or fill a seed tray with moist soil. Plant your seeds with just enough soil to cover them (you want good seed to soil contact) and keep the soil moist but not too wet. Provide light to ensure that the seeds get the energy needed to grow.
Please see the list of resources for details on propagating your plants. If you are looking to purchase passalong plants, the North Fulton Master Gardeners will offer their favorite plants during the 2025 Garden Faire Plant Sale. Plan to attend Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Grove at Wills Park in Alpharetta. Master Gardeners will be available to provide gardening advice for your plants.
Happy gardening!
North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Learn more at nfmg.net. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at: https://appenmedia. com/opinion/columists/garden buzz/.
SAVE THE DATES for NFMG’s 2025 signature events: Garden Faire on April 12th and Garden Tour on June 7th. Learn more at www.nfmg.net.
Stem cutting ready for planting.
JULIE DANGEL Guest Columnist
JULIE DANGEL/NORTH FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS TEACHING MUSEUM
Notice is hereby given that C. Braiun LLC, located in Alpharetta, GA is conducting business under the assumed name Room 808. The business address is 8960 Niblick Drive Alpharetta, GA 30022. The purpose of this notice is to comply with the applicable laws regarding the use of an assumed business name. This DBA registration was filed with the Clerk of the Superior & Magistrate Courts on 1/23/2025.
Dated: 2/14/2025
Chasity Fenderson Owner, CEO
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The following item will be considered by the City Council on Monday, March 24, 2025 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
a. MP-25-01/CU-25-05 Fulton Science Academy/Cousins Westside MP Pod R
Consideration of a master plan amendment and conditional use to allow a ‘School, Academic’ to reuse an existing office building on a 4.48-acre property in the North Point Overlay. A master plan amendment is requested to add ‘School, Academic’ to the Cousins Westside Master Plan Pod R and a conditional use is requested to allow ‘School, Academic’ for Fulton Science Academy. The property is located at 8995 Westside Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 691, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia.
Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
Senior Software Analyst – positions offered by TechSera Inc. (Alpharetta, GA). Resp. for gathering & interp. the bus. reqs. & customizing Manhattan’s prod. (PKMS/TE), t/s tech./func. issues, & coord. work asgmts. across shores. Position reports to Alpharetta, GA office. Telecommuting permitted in accordance with company policy, but must live within commuting distance of stated office. Apply with resume to: joinus@techsera.com.
Software Engineer Specialist (Alpharetta, GA): Provide tech architecture & spprt across apps & guidance to other functional areas to define software/hardware reqs & in planning & delivering infrastructure. Rsrch new technological advances to assess current practices for compliance w/ sys reqs. Recommend solutions to address current sys needs process improvements & controls. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Assoc Director, HR Risk & Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus GA 31901. #PG722990
Project Manager (Alpharetta, GA): Manages the process from product dvlpmt to product launch, ensuring execution is in line w/ proj plan for cmplx product initiatives. The product mgr has responsibility for mngng our team prdcts for both on-premises & cloud. For assigned prdcts, owns, manages, & communicates a product roadmap, incl collaborating w/ ind analysts to form competitive anlss, & w/ dlvry, sales, & relationship mgmt teams to dtrmne prioritization, dvlpmt & ongoing costs of dlvry, & prod launch. Resumes to: Total System Services LLC, Brian Simons, Assoc Director, HR Risk & Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus, GA 31901. #YJ743607
Accountant, Alpharetta, GA Prep closing journal entries comp. w/ GAAP & co’s policies & procs.; conduct AP/AR, & bank reconciliations; prep tax returns & report; prep & maint. acct. records, fin. stmts. & reports; report fin. acts. & audit findings to mgmt.; compile & rec. fin. data to identify & corr. errs.; dev. & impl. acct. sys. to rec. transactions; handle tax audits. Bachelor’s in Acct. or Finance + 12 mos. exp. in job offered or as Accounting Consultant. $55266/yr. Send resume: Voltgo Power, 800 N King St, FL 3, Wilmington, DE 19801/ canadasupport@voltgopower.com.
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. in Alpharetta, GA seeks a Civil Engineer - Structural to design vertical structures such as parking garages, buildings, and other miscellaneous structures and to assist with management and leading of structural engineering projects. Structural Engineering license required. Requires 10% domestic travel. Periodic work from home is permitted on occasion within reasonable commuting distance of the Alpharetta, GA office. Apply online at https:// www.kimley-horn.com/careers or send resume to Kimley-Horn-HR@kimley-horn.com. Please reference job position and location.
IT Architect (Alpharetta, GA): Utilize Copilot to generate code snippets or even suggest architectural patterns based on the design requirements and constraints provided; evaluate the suggestions provided by Copilot to identify potential design flaws or inefficiencies and refine the architecture accordingly; evaluate alternative solutions, conducting feasibility studies, and recommending the most appropriate architectural approach. Resumes to: Total System Services, LLC, Brian Simons, Associate Director, HR Risk and Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus, GA 31901. #VA282371
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Business Systems Manager (Alpharetta, GA) – Responsible for integration of Boston Scientific’s internal Systems. May require to travel/telecommute. Send resumes to: Susan Cardinal, Boston Scientific, GlobalTalentAcq@bsci.com. Ref: H4872-00393. EOE
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To place a classified ad, email classifieds@appenmedia.com Deadline is Thursdays by 4pm
Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk 1L (Building and Grounds/Custodial/ Maintenance) (part-time position) to perform facility maintenance and grounds keeping duties. Requires some heavy lifting, high school diploma or equivalency and a valid GA driver’s license. Related experience with outdoor maintenance equipment and a valid CDL are preferred. Hours: Availability for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours.
Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, March 7, 2025. Apply online: www.sawnee. coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Protected Veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.
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SERVICE DIRECTORY
Spring to Life
Sunday, March 9 | 12-4PM
Science and Nature Collide! Flighted raptor program and STEAM-themed activities. Included with general admission and free to CNC members.
Saturday, March 22
MeMberS: March 27 | 4-7PM Public: March 28-29, apriL 4-5 9aM-5PM spring
